Chatro Me Sanskar Nirman Ghar Samaj Va Shikshak Bhumika

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Chatro me Sanskar Nirman: Ghar, Samaj va Shikshak Bhumika" (Cultivating Values in Students: The Role of Home, Society, and Teacher) by Bhanvarlal Ancha:

The article highlights a critical lack of values-based education in India today. The author contends that while the government is indifferent, society and parents are also not sufficiently concerned about cultivating proper values in children. Parents aspire for their children to become successful professionals like doctors, engineers, or officers, but often overlook the importance of developing sound moral character. This neglect is leading to a deepening crisis of character in the nation, causing India to lose its true identity and embrace a consumerist culture.

The central problem identified is a duality in our civilization, where ethical conduct and morality are preached in religious places and during gatherings, but absent in practical life, which is characterized by deceit, cunning, and materialism. This disconnect between words and actions is described as a "cancer" that is destroying civilization. This dualistic mentality has permeated individuals, society, and the nation, even seeping into religious spheres where personal prestige, sectarianism, and the ego of spiritual leaders are becoming more prominent than genuine values. Corrupt politicians are spreading graft, and a pervasive desire for overnight wealth leads to all sorts of unethical practices. In this scenario, human values have become mere lip service, leaving the nation directionless and its citizens bewildered.

The author posits that the sole remedy for this dismal state is values-based education. Re-establishing human values, fostering love for the nation, and promoting a flow of morality, good conduct, harmony, and determination in educational institutions are crucial to combat mental dissatisfaction, stress, and interpersonal distance. Values are presented as a life-giving herb for students. However, the author questions the true intent behind "values education." Is the goal to create successful individuals or virtuous ones? In the current context, success is often defined by deceit, lies, dishonesty, flattery, and betrayal. A truly virtuous person, it is argued, cannot be successful in today's environment; they are often poor, helpless, and ostracized. Honest individuals, after struggling, are driven to suicide.

The flawed education system is identified as a root cause. Students are disinclined to study, view cheating as a right, and channel their energy into violence and protests. They engage in smoking, drinking, and immoral behavior with their teachers, rendering the production of value-oriented students impossible when teachers themselves lack values.

The article then examines the roles of home, society, and the teacher:

1. The Role of the Home:

• Parental Neglect: Parents are often too busy with their careers to be aware of their children's activities, whereabouts, diet, or speech. In metropolitan areas, parents leave for work before children wake and return after they've slept. This leaves children to be raised by household staff or to roam freely, mimicking the behaviors they observe.
• Parental Influence: A father smoking in front of children, or parents watching inappropriate movies with them, negatively impacts children's minds. The consumption of vulgar literature and the observation of marital discord also have detrimental effects.
• Parental Responsibility: Parents must first cultivate values in themselves to influence their children. They should monitor their children's friends, ensuring they are of good character. Careful selection of schools based on teachers, academic results, and alumni's futures is also vital. Children should not be solely reliant on domestic help; if necessary, staff should be carefully chosen and their interactions with children monitored. During free time, children should be encouraged to read biographies of great personalities, good literature, and develop religious and spiritual inclinations, while being shielded from vulgar content and cinema addiction.

2. The Role of Society:

• Erosion of Social Fabric: Society is breaking down, with individualism taking precedence over social bonds. Good social customs are being lost, and social checks are non-existent. The pursuit of a "progressive" facade, often imported from abroad, is eroding Indian identity.
• Societal Responsibility: Society should honor and encourage talented, virtuous, and altruistic children. It should establish and maintain value-oriented environments in educational institutions, reminiscent of the ancient Gurukul system. Society must condemn and discourage corrupt individuals, smugglers, hoarders, and adulterators. It should eradicate social evils like adultery, prostitution, substance abuse, gambling, and meat-eating, fostering aversion towards those involved and attempting to guide them toward the right path.

3. The Role of the Teacher:

• Teacher as Guardian: Teachers are the guardians and guides for students in schools. It is essential for teachers to be virtuous, disciplined, and lead exemplary lives, being free from addictions and inspiring role models.
• Teacher's Actions: Teachers should maintain close contact with each student, monitor their daily activities, and offer guidance when needed. They should foster humility and respect, educate students about the lives of great personalities, impart moral lessons, and encourage participation in cultural and literary activities.
• Spiritual and Educational Guidance: Spiritual gurus should promote equality towards all religions, remain aloof from sectarianism, and cultivate non-violent sentiments. Both academic and spiritual teachers must prevent students from being drawn to personal veneration and avoid assigning domestic chores to them. Teachers should assist students in choosing subjects based on their interests and communicate this to parents.

In conclusion, the author emphasizes that parents, society, and teachers all have a crucial role in cultivating values in children. The effectiveness of these efforts hinges on coordination among these three elements. Only through their combined efforts can well-rounded, virtuous individuals be created who can lead the nation towards a brighter, happier, and more peaceful future. The article ends with a quote from the Dashavaikalik Sutra, advocating for polite speech, not interrupting others, avoiding gossip, and speaking truthfully without deceit.